Do you feel the earth move under your feet? You may be experiencing an earthquake. Learn how to talk about it in English before it’s too late.

Slow dialogue: 1:28
Explanations: 3:34
Fast dialogue: 19:24
Jamal: Did you feel that?
Keisha: Was that an earthquake?
Jamal: Yes, I think so. Turn on the news.
Newscaster: “Reports are coming in about an earthquake that occurred at 4:35 p.m. in the downtown area. We spoke with a seismologist at the Earthquake Center and learned that the earthquake had a magnitude of 3.2 on the Richter scale. The epicenter was near downtown, along one of the major faults, and the seismologist warns that there will be some aftershocks.”
Keisha: Phew! I’m glad the earthquake wasn’t a high-intensity one. I wish they could predict more accurately when those earthquakes are going to happen.
Jamal: Yeah, me, too. I’ve looked around the house and don’t see any damage, though. I guess our house won’t be declared a disaster area.
Keisha: Don’t be too sure. Considering the mess you’ve made in kitchen, it could easily be called a disaster area.
Jamal: In that case, will you be sending aid? I think I’m too tired to do the dishes.
Keisha: You won’t be getting any aid from me. If you’re hoping for a relief effort, you’d better ask the UN.

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse